Relief For Broadcasters As FG Suspends Licence Fee Reviews
Our Correspondent
Nigeria’s broadcast industry has received a major reprieve as the Federal Government suspends all reviews of broadcast licence fees indefinitely, offering relief to television and radio stations grappling with rising operational costs.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced the suspension on Monday in Abuja during a meeting with the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), led by its Chairman, Dr Tony Akiotu.
Idris directed the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to ensure strict compliance, stressing that no increase in licence fees would be implemented until further notice.
He also ordered an expedited review of the National Broadcasting Code to reflect emerging realities in the industry.
The Minister further promised a stakeholders’ meeting to resolve outstanding issues surrounding the Digital Switch-Over programme and assured broadcasters of government engagement on affordable financing and spectrum allocation.
On advertising payments, Idris said he had directed the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) to enforce the 45-day payment policy.
He, however, urged broadcasters to uphold professionalism, factual reporting and ethical standards, particularly ahead of the 2027 general elections.
BON Chairman, Tony Akiotu, had appealed for government intervention over mounting operational costs, licence fees, access to financing and other regulatory challenges confronting broadcast operators.
He commended the Minister’s earlier intervention on the Digital Switch-Over programme and reaffirmed BON’s preference for dialogue in resolving industry concerns.
The Federal Government said it remained committed to sustained engagement with stakeholders to strengthen Nigeria’s broadcasting industry.
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